tar spots on wheel help.....

[miker2012]

i got my huge order of supplies from autopia car care website yesterday and so i am in the middle of my big paint correction/cleanup on new 2013 335xi w/ dealer installed swirls but i have hit a stumbling block

it is going very well so far, removed many swirls and hairline scratches and bug splatter from the bumper with incredible results (pics later) but as i was getting the wheels cleaned before the final cleaning so i can start claying, there are hundreds of tiny little bumps of tar on my wheels that will not come off without serious scrubbing and i don't want to mar the finish on the clear coat... i tried using a mf towel and soap and water and QD and it takes way to much scrubbing to get them off, they will come off but i am afraid i am not cleaning them correctly and wanted to ask some pros

what can i break the tar down with? i tried some otc products for a few seconds but i hate using these harsh chemicals on the wheels in fear of staining... i have a citrus cleaner for cars as well that i haven't tried, orange blast or something like that... what is a good presoak that i can find locally since i am in a pinch?

thoughts?

 

[Beemerboy]

I'd like to understand can you lift these with your finger nail? Sometimes these tar deposits are baked in pretty good and are not that easily removed.

I just posted about Stoners Traminator which I think is one of the best tar and grease removers on the market. It's an OTC product and would be worth a try and will not harm paint or any metals

i got my huge order of supplies from autopia car care website yesterday and so i am in the middle of my big paint correction/cleanup on new 2013 335xi w/ dealer installed swirls but i have hit a stumbling block

it is going very well so far, removed many swirls and hairline scratches and bug splatter from the bumper with incredible results (pics later) but as i was getting the wheels cleaned before the final cleaning so i can start claying, there are hundreds of tiny little bumps of tar on my wheels that will not come off without serious scrubbing and i don't want to mar the finish on the clear coat... i tried using a mf towel and soap and water and QD and it takes way to much scrubbing to get them off, they will come off but i am afraid i am not cleaning them correctly and wanted to ask some pros

what can i break the tar down with? i tried some otc products for a few seconds but i hate using these harsh chemicals on the wheels in fear of staining... i have a citrus cleaner for cars as well that i haven't tried, orange blast or something like that... what is a good presoak that i can find locally since i am in a pinch?

thoughts?

 

[dc52nv]

I use Auto Finesse ObliTARate on these pesky tar spots and they come off with just 1 wipe. Many here also recommend Stoners Tarminator.

 

[miker2012]

I'd like to understand can you lift these with your finger nail? Sometimes these tar deposits are baked in pretty good and are not that easily removed.

I just posted about Stoners Traminator which I think is one of the best tar and grease removers on the market. It's an OTC product and would be worth a try and will not harm paint or any metals

thx

that's correct, you can lift w/fingernail but they still smudge smudge and don't come off clean, then as i try to clean the residue/smudge, i have to push hard an afraid of marring the finish

i will try the stoners product, i do recall seeing it at crappy tire

 

[Beemerboy]

thx

that's correct, you can lift w/fingernail but they still smudge smudge and don't come off clean, then as i try to clean the residue/smudge, i have to push hard an afraid of marring the finish

i will try the stoners product, i do recall seeing it at crappy tire

That said the Stoners is a real good starting point...Let it dwell on a cool rim for a minute or better it can take time to work into the tar, then use a cotton towel for removal.

Check back and let us know how it's going

 

[groebuck]

If you don't want to buy anything and have a gas can in your garage some gasoline on a soft rag would clean them right off. Then wipe the wheels down with a cleaner to get the gas off.